FORT WORTH — As we roll toward severe weather season, Fort Worth is rolling out a new warning system. It will make sure those who can’t see or hear the warnings still know about them.
“People who can hear, they know what to do, but I’m deaf,” said Fort Worth’s Tracey Michol. “I was born deaf. Profoundly deaf.”
According to U.S. Census numbers, 5-percent of those living in Fort Worth have hearing or vision disabilities.
“I have hearing aids. I hear some noise, but I don’t know where it’s coming from,” said Michol.
Thursday afternoon, Fort Worth introduced the Accessible Hazard Alert System (AHAS). Alert will now be sent out as video messages in American Sign Language as well as braille.
“The city will now send out our AHAS warnings at the same time that the rest of us hear our outdoor warning sirens,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price.
Fort Worth is the first city in Texas to offer the program.
“I hope that we can be an inspiration to other communities, other cities, that maybe they’ll do the same,” said Michol.
3 Comments to “Fort Worth Introduces Emergency Alert System for the Deaf and Blind”
February 20, 2013 at 6:40 PM
How will the Accessible Hazard Alert System (AHAS). Alert will be sent out as video messages in American Sign Language as well as braille? Is it thru the text phone or Sorenson video phone or what???
Does it have flashing lights for the Deaf to view when it goes off?
February 20, 2013 at 6:50 PM
Martha,
Here’s a link to information on the city’s website:
http://ftwahas.deaflink.com/index.php?q=node/63
I hope it helps!
March 4, 2013 at 8:35 AM
There is a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page on the AHAS website that will help explain the alert system. I believe Fort Worth residents that are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or deaf/blind will be able to have their questions answered by reading these helpful questions and answers. You can access the FAQ by going to http://www.ftwahas.deaflink.com . The FAQ link is on the top banner.